Edinburgh Futures Institute has partnered with the British Council to support young people develop their knowledge of AI and the media.
The event, part of the British Council’s Youth Connect Europe: Media Literacy in the age of AI programme, was held in November 2025 with a series of coordinated events in Cyprus, Greece, France, Ireland, Romania and the UK (Scotland and Northern Ireland).
The event at Edinburgh Futures Institute involved colleagues from the BRAID UK (Bridging Responsible AI Divides) programme and a guest judging panel with experts from Ofcom and Scottish AI Alliance. Winners were then invited to an event in Belfast, where they presented recommendations to policymakers and media experts and learned more about professional media production through creating a video.
The programme aimed to encourage young people to consider how they use media, increase critical thinking and communication skills and build awareness on the social impact of digital footprints. It also gave participants the chance to engage directly with policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to create mutual understanding and help decision-makers consider youth-led solutions.
Dr Lisa Otty, Head of Data-led Methods and Research Technology, Edinburgh Futures Institute, said:
“We were delighted to be able to work with British Council on this event, which helped young people explore the impact of new technology on media, and gave them the opportunity to connect with our professional networks and develop and share their own views.”
In a newly published outcomes report from the British Council, participants said they felt more confident and empowered to communicate their knowledge of AI in the media. In total, 178 participants took part, with 25 experts working as mentors, and more than 30 organisations supporting the activities of the programme.
The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation, building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
Watch the videos below to learn more about the Youth Connect Europe programme:
